The Town and River Cruise Club held its annual picnic and meeting on April 12, 2025, at Franklin Park South. Members began arriving around 11:30 AM, enjoying a beautiful day filled with great food, fun, and fellowship.
Before lunch, many attendees joined in a few friendly games of cornhole, adding a playful and relaxed start to the day.
A raffle was held with Marge Byrne and Laura McCormick winning $40 cash each. Colorful drinking cups were won by Lynn MorningStar, Mike DiBenedetto, Ken Beebe, Marge Byrne and Ellen Marra.
Lunch was served around noon and was catered by Mission Barbeque restaurant. The meal was absolutely delicious and an exceptional spread that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We had pulled chicken, beef brisket, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls, cornbread, cookies, and brownies. Yum.
Following the lunch, the club held its annual meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather as a group, reflect on the past year, and discuss plans for the future.
The officers were elected and Don Sena presented the slate of officers. Commodore – Mike DiBenedetto, Vice Commodore-Marge Byrne, Treasure – Cecilia Bourdon, and Secretary, Adrienne Beebe.
Don announced the following committee appointments: Rules and membership Deb and Bill Haptonstall, auditor Ellen Marra, and photographer, Liz DiBenedetto. The board of governors are Mike, Deb, Marge, Cecilia, Adrienne, and Fred Ford-Smith. The slate was unanimous.
Mike presented Deb an engraved clock in appreciation for her leadership of the club as Commodore for the past two years. Mike had a moment of silence and recognition for two members that we have lost in the last year – Ed Pyne and Fred Shue. They will be truly missed. Mike thanked other officers and members who have worked to support the club.
A preliminary schedule updates and locations for future lunches was circulated. If anyone is interested in helping with the New Year’s party at the condo clubhouse on January 17th, please contact Mike or Cecilia.
Mike reported that the governors had met on Friday and discussed ways to operate the club differently for next year, given our aging membership and fewer active members.
We will no longer be collecting dues or initiation fees. All existing funds will be spent on catered events. For the coming year, any new members or guests will simply pay the charged amount for the event.
The board will meet again in February 2026 to decide if additional changes are needed for the following year.
Deb Haptonstall
